Meteor showers and 4 supermoons: What skygazers can look out for in 2024 (2024)

SINGAPORE: Stargazers, mark your calendars. April will see thePink Moonilluminate the skies followed by an "above average" meteor shower in May.

But if you miss these cosmic events, fret not as there is still plenty in store for the rest of the year.

Here's what you can expect, including four back-to-back supermoons.

METEOR SHOWERS

The Lyrids meteor shower peaked over Singapore on Apr 22 but fanfare was muted due to poor visibility conditions.

It is one of the oldest known meteor showers and has been observed for 2,700 years, according to the NASA website.The Lyrids are known for their fast and bright meteors, though not as swift or abundant as the more famous Perseids in August.

But even though this shower was a washout, there's still the Eta Aquarids to look forward to in May.

The Singapore Science Centre Observatory (SCOB) characterised it as an "above average" meteor shower that is expected to peak around May 5 to May 6.

Eta Aquarid meteors - also known for their speed - can leave glowing "trains", said NASA.These are incandescent bits of debris in the wake of the meteor which last for several seconds to minutes.

About 60 meteors per hour can be expected during the shower's peak, said SCOB, adding that most of the activity is seen in the Southern Hemisphere.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the rate can reach about 30 meteors per hour.

These are produced by dust particles left behind by Halley's Comet, which has been observed since ancient times, added the observatory.

"The nearly new moon during this period will provide dark skies which will contribute to a better chance of viewing the shower," said SCOB.

"The best viewing point will be from a dark location after midnight. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Aquarius but can appear anywhere in the sky."

August will see the Perseidspeak over Singapore between Aug 12 and Aug 13, said SCOB.

It is known for being one of the brighter annual showers and gets its name as it comes from the same direction as the constellation Perseus.

December will also see the Geminids peak on the night between Dec 13 and Dec 14.

"As with each season of meteor shower, we recommend stargazers to check out the position of the constellations and stargaze later into the night," said SCOB.

The observatory advised that the best places to catch meteor showers would be unblocked open areas with minimal light pollution such as nature parks, beaches, and reservoirs.

"Avoid gazing directly at the radiant constellations and instead look at dark areas around it to spot the meteor streaks. Do also take relevant safety precautions when you’re out stargazing in the dark," it added.

For meteor shower observations, unfavourable weather conditions and cloud cover can be a hindrance as well.

SUPERMOONS

There will be four consecutive supermoons from August to November.

The one in October will be the closest to Earth while the full moon in August - known as the Sturgeon Moon - will also be a Blue Moon as it happens to be the third full moon of the season, said SCOB.

"While there is no official definition for the supermoon, these four full moons in August, September, October and November occur when the moon is relatively nearer to the Earth, causing it to appear brighter and more prominent," said SCOB.

Stargazers should also note that the moon’s appearance can vary depending on atmospheric conditions and viewing location, it added.

STARGAZING ACTIVITIES

According to NASA, the full moon can appear up to 14 per cent bigger and 30 per cent brighter than the faintest moon of the year.

These moons will be visible as long as there are unobstructed views, clear skies and minimal light pollution. However, take location and timing into consideration if you want the most ideal conditions.

"Marina Barrage, East Coast Park and the Southern Ridges offer a potentially elevated view of the supermoons and the city skyline," said SCOB.

"Generally, it is a good time to enjoy a supermoon close to moonrise or moonset, when the moon is close to terrestrial objects, trees or buildings that we are familiar with. The large apparent size of the supermoon will be more obvious when we have something to compare its size with."

Budding astronomers or those who want to feel closer to the cosmos all year long can participate in SCOB's stargazing programmes at its observatory in Jurong.Science educators will also be on hand to share more about the night sky.

The Science Centre's observatory is one of the few in the world that is located next to the equator.

"This unique position opens up more vistas in the sky and allows us to view constellations in both the northern and southern celestial hemispheres," according to its website.

Its stargazing and digital planetarium live shows are usually held every first, second and fourth Friday of the month. The programme begins at 7.30pm with a planetarium show in its omni theatre followed by a stargazing session until 10pm.

The observatory's stargazer experience runs every third Friday of the month. Participants first learn about the solar system and how to use a telescope before a stargazing session in the field.

More information and tickets for these sessions are available online.

Planning to catch the next supermoon or meteor shower? Send us your photos via CNA Eyewitness or on WhatsApp.